Isoperimetric problems in the variational calculus of Euler and Lagrange (Q1183315)

The author concentrates on the work of Euler and Lagrange in calculus of variations between 1738 and 1806 and compares their approaches and methods regarding the main problems of the theory. He points out in the reviewed paper: ``in addition to their historical importance for the early variational calculus the researches discussed illustrate more generally question of theory change in mathematics...'' The study presented in the reviewed paper is concerned with the early history of the isoperimetric problem and the ``problem of Lagrange''. The author examines how these problems were first formulated in the writings of Euler, how relative interest in them on the part of researches shifted as the subject developed, and how they become unified in Lagrange's theory of 1806. He documents the achievement apparent in Lagrange's method of multipliers and considers its precise character as an advance over earlier methods and results.